Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate heaped praise on Mido's fitness progress ahead of the new season. The Boro boss said he is optimistic with the team's pre-season campaign as he highlighted the development of returning duo Mido and Robert Huth. “Huth and Mido will be like two new signings. Rob, we saw for a spell last season, is an outstanding player and Mido as well," he said. "That's why I'm quite comfortable about the way that we are going to progress. "We feel with the group of players that we've got that we can achieve more than we achieved last year. "Mido has shown a real desire to come back in a condition that gives him a chance going forward into pre-season. We are pleased with that attitude and he has given himself a good opportunity.” Mido was subjected to a strict fitness program recently, in an attempt to regain his shape following last season's injury problems. The former Tottenham forward lost 10 kilos in pre-season, and should be ready for Boro's Premiership opener with Spurs.
